Green Tourism

The AECC is part Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).  The scheme focuses on reducing the negative impact of business activities on the environment.  The business areas covered are in compliance with legislation, management, communication to clients through website and staff through emails, energy efficiency and renewables, solid waste, improving public transport and promotion of walking and cycling, water efficiency and limiting pollution, purchasing of environmentally friendly and local goods and services and increasing biodiversity. 

Why the AECC is a ‘Green Meeting’ Venue:
Events organised electronically as much as possible
Public transport easily accessible
Delegates given energy saving and recycling advice on arrival
Recycling facilities available
Most food and drink suppliers are local, cutting down on food miles
Eco-gifts are given to delegates
Low energy light bulbs with reflectors in all meeting rooms
Building Management System for effective heating throughout.

Wildlife @ the AECC

Birds such as oyster catchers, wood pigeons and pheasants have been spotted as well as animals like weasels and even roe deer.  The grounds comprise of areas of landscaped planting as well as wild and overgrown areas towards the rear with species such as willow herb, buddleia and lavender (beneficial for pollen seeking invertebrates), thistles, foxgloves, clover, cow parsley and ivy.  Ground covering plants are beneficial for foraging animalsNative trees planted include Alnus glutinosa (alder), Betula pendula (silver birch) and many more.

For further information about GTBS and to see a full list of accredited organisations. please visit www.green-business.co.uk

Local Biodiversity
Nearby Balmedie and Donmouth Nature Reserve are locations which demonstrate significant biodiversity. Balmedie is a beach and dune system north of the city of Aberdeen. The long and wide beach of clean golden sand is bordered by the 5th largest sand dune system in Britain which stretches 14 miles. The dunes are a substantial area of stable grassland where the principal vegetation is marram grass. They support a large array of wildlife and are regarded as a site of special scientific interest. The beach is sandy and over the years has won a number of awards including a seaside award in 2006 and 2007.
Donmouth Nature Reserve - Where the River Don meets the sea, beside the A92 a few kilometres north of the city centre, the estuary in the Donmouth LNR gives excellent scope for seeing waders, terns and seabirds. Sandwich, common and Arctic terns fish here in summer, with little and black tern also recorded. Skuas come by in late summer, which is also a good time to watch out for little stint and other passage waders.
Coastal Aberdeenshire has recorded more than 225 species of birds while the nearby Forvie nature reserve is home to the largest colony of eider ducks in the UK. Schools of dolphins and porpoises can often be spotted from the coast which is also home to seals.

Aberdeen Cycle Map

The Aberdeen Cycle Map was updated in 2005. It shows existing cycle facilities such as cycle lanes, as well as cycle shops, places to lock bikes, recommended quiet routes and recreational routes around the City. The map is available in The Point, Broad Street, Aberdeen, City libraries and most public Council buildings. On street cycle parking facilities have been provided throughout the City.

Click here to view Aberdeen Cycle Map

Cycles available for hire from;

Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, 458-464 George Street, 01224 632994

Aberdeen Cycle Centre, 188 King St, 01224 644542